Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. By Tuesday, February 14th, plans should be made for a romantic evening for two! With so many wonderful places for date night on 30A, how do choose that special spot?

If you’re a couple who loves adventure we have a date planned for you! A champagne hike through Deer Lake State Park. Put a little bubbly in your backpack and head west of WaterSound tucked away along 30A. Observe ancient sand dune ecosystems and wildlife as you make your way to the powder white sand. An elevated wooded walkway will guide you to the Gulf of Mexico where you can toast the sunset!

Then off to dinner with no reservations! Yes, here is where the adventure continues. First stop, 45 Central Wine Bar for drinks and appetizers outside overlooking the goings on of Seaside Square. Dinner is a short walk to Bud & Alley’s Waterfront restaurant for seared scallops and famous crab cakes. Finish the evening off lying on Seaside’s plush green lawn watching the stars!

If you’re a couple who likes luxury you’ll love an evening on 30A. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine picks you up in a deluxe stretch, where you sit back, sip on a cocktail and enjoy the ride. A romantic evening awaits you as you exit the limo and board the 125 foot Solaris yacht from SunQuest Cruises.

The ship sails off at sunset while you toast the colorful sky. The chef prepares a special three course meal and then you dance the night away to live entertainment. Sparks will fly over a sky full of bright stars illuminating the sea!

Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, a walk on the powder white sand holding hands or a candle lit dinner at an exclusive restaurant, romance surrounds the beach towns of 30A. A getaway for two in a cozy 30A rental is just what you need to spice up Valentine’s Day!

What do you get when the hottest musical artists perform on the coolest beaches in Florida? The 30A Songwriters Festival! Set for January 13th through the 16th, 2017, this festival draws over 175 artists to perform in a variety of venues throughout 30A. Amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios are transformed into unique music venues. An exciting line-up of performers and hot spots has been released!

Headline performances from artists John Prine, Cheap Trick, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers and Shawn Colvin in addition to main stage performances by Parker Millsap, Drivin N Cryin, and Amy LaVere have been confirmed. Evening performances at various 30A venues can be enjoyed as well. Venues include Grand Boulevard, Vue on 30A, Gulf Place Amphitheater, Fish Out of Water, The Gathering Spot in WaterColor, Bud & Alley’s, Whiskey Bravo, Old Florida Fish House and many more sensational 30A spots. Check online for an itinerary of your favorite artist’s whereabouts.

Festival weekend passes as well as tickets for specific events are available online or can be purchased in person at the Cultural Arts Alliance office and at Central Square Records in Seaside, Florida. Stay in a 30a rental with discounted rates for 30A Song Writers Festival attendees. It will put you right in the middle of the action, convenient to all the intimate venues as well as large amphitheaters. The 30A Songwriters Festival gets better and better each year. Don’t miss an exciting four days full of talented performances, in spectacular settings with 30A style!

How will you celebrate your successes this past year and ring in a New Year with new possibilities? With the beautiful beaches of 30A of course! Each beach town has some sensational celebrations planned from barefoot to black tie. 30A has something for everyone!

Seaside, Florida provides a casual New Year’s Eve celebration full of family fun from 7:00pm-12:30am. There will be live music, children’s activities, street performers and an unforgettable fireworks show! The celebration takes place at the Seaside amphitheater so bring a blanket, kick off your shoes and enjoy an evening under the stars!

All aboard the Solaris yacht for an exquisite SunQuest Cruise New Year’s Celebration! Ring in the New Year right in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico with breathtaking views of the sea! An elegant evening full of dinner and dancing is planned. You’ll enjoy a seated five-course meal, live entertainment, fireworks, party favors and champagne. Raise your glass and toast to the New Year under a star filled sky!

Trebeache throws a relaxed yet stylish party to celebrate the New Year. Located at Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach, Trebeache restaurant will offer two ways to ring in the New Year. Option one is a four course dinner in the dining room followed by a New Year’s bash upstairs in the Grand Ballroom complete with bottomless champagne, dessert bar, and music by DJ Coache 30A as well as Billy Garrett & the Funk Disciples. Choose option two if you are just here to party and ring in the New Year at the upstairs event!

Raise your glass and toast to the past. Toast to the future! May it be filled with fun times on the beach in your 30A rental! Happy New Year!

Life on 30A is one continuous dream come true with white sand beaches and emerald green waters. Each day presents the opportunity to walk across the powder soft sand and take in a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Whether days are spent at the beach or daydreaming of the beach here’s some gift ideas perfect for the beach lover in all of us.

Sea Salt Natural Soap Bar makes a great stocking stuffer for the beach lover. Handcrafted Organic Olive Oil Soaps are carefully blended from creamy butters, raw plant oils and exotic clay. Where can you get these bath essentials? The Green Owl Bath & Body located at Seagrove Plaza on 30A offers these natural soap bars in a variety of scents.

Diane Markin’s handcrafted mermaid ornament will light up any room. This colorful mermaid will put a smile on any beach lover’s face. Where did we find this fun and very funky creation? Fusion Art & Glass, located at the shops at Seaside.

Emerald Seas Escape Necklace is the perfect gift to remind that special someone of 30A. A special edition necklace swirls emerald and turquoise in a handmade glass center bead with small white pearls on each side to reflect the colors of our beautiful beaches. Where did we find this delicate piece? It’s by Alison Craft Designs at The 30A Store in Seagrove Plaza.

Tis the season to shop! Give a gift that brings back wonderful memories of a day at the beach. Your 30A Rental will be full of happy faces!

While we all appreciate a thoughtful gift, we know there is much happiness in helping others. Here are a few ways you can “give back” locally.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Florida has served the coast for over twenty years helping rehabilitate and release injured wildlife. While they are working hard to protect habitats for the wildlife, they also partner with schools to educate the youth on the importance of conserving our native species. Opportunities to help the organization are available in several areas including rescue, animal care, fundraising, and education.

Alaqua Anima Refuge is also committed to giving animals a second chance. This animal sanctuary in Freeport is a no-kill facility that has found homes for over 11,000 animals since opening in 2007. Up to 100 adoptions are completed each month including dogs, cats, horses, and more! How can you help? You can volunteer to spend time with the animals (win-win!), donate supplies or funds to help with daily operations, or adopt an animal yourself. A wish list is provided on their website of supplies they can use and every little bit is appreciated.

Caring and Sharing provides food and assistance to local residents who are in need. The South Walton thrift store uses all proceeds to cover operating expenses and to generate funds to help with food, medicine, and rent. Donations can be made of home items and furniture, clothes, electronics and books to be sold in the store. Food can also be donated and there is a list online of items they are in need of. The staff volunteers their time to work sorting and displaying items for sale and help is needed year-round.

There are many ways to help others along the coast and donation areas can be found from the Destin harbor to Seagrove Beach. Whether it’s time, resources, or just spreading the word, let’s all help make the Emerald Coast an even better place to be!

The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry. Our social little beach towns of 30A take this to heart. We love our outdoor festivals, our coastal cuisine, our wine and our local breweries. However, being a beach town also means we want to stay healthy and keep fit. Here are 2 simple tips to keep you healthy through the holidays.

#1 Exercise

It’s easy to get into holiday mode, feeling tempted to skip out on exercise. Now, however is not the time to skimp on workouts! With bike paths, walks on the beach, water sports and indoor fitness centers along 30A, we really have no excuse. Why not try something new?

Rent Hdryobikes and cruise through the bay at Grayton Beach, practice Yoga on a stand up paddle board on the beaches of Santa Rosa or shake it with a friend in Zumba at the Sandestin Fitness Center. Workouts that you look forward too will take priority and holiday mode will stay in its place. You will not only stay healthy and keep off unwanted weight; the endorphins you create will ward off any holiday stress that might head your way.

#2 Diet

I know we hate that 4 letter word, but the truth of the matter is we need to be conscientious of what we eat. Especially during the holidays when pumpkin pie and spiked egg nog is coming at us from every corner. We are not saying you can’t splurge on delicacies that represent this time of year. Being balanced in what we consume is really the key.

Making a decision ahead of time on what and where we will be eating can help eliminate over indulging on the wrong type of food. Suggestion: plan a menu that has plenty of healthy options as well as the traditional fare. That way you can still enjoy a small portion of holiday fare without over doing it. When eating out there are plenty of restaurants along 30A that offer lighter and healthier cuisine without compromising flavor.

When it comes to the holidays what matters most is family and friends. Whether you’re spending the holidays in a 30A rental or at your home in South Walton take advantage of all the healthy options 30A has to offer.

This time of year, families reunite and spend the winter season reminiscing while making new memories. Since it may be rare to have everyone all together in one place, it’s a great time for family photos. If you’re still looking for the perfect shot to grace the cover of this year’s Christmas card, we’re going to tell you some great spots for a family photo shoot.

Obviously, the beaches along the Emerald Coast are among the top in the world as the soft white sand and blue-green waters are stunning. Just before sun sets, the dim sky and calm beach makes an ideal background for the family. Ed Walline Park is one of the least crowded beaches and has a boardwalk as well as steep dunes to set up in front of.

Eden Gardens State Park is off the beaten path but is a popular place for capturing special moments. Beautiful trees with long, hanging limbs and flowy leaves are scattered among the park with a historical home in the center. The fountains and lake are also favorite areas for photos.

30Avenue is fairly new and is a gorgeous area for a stroll in the evening, a bike ride, and yes: family photos! The streets are paved with bricks with big palm trees lining the path and fountains in the middle. You can even find horse carriages moving along making it feel like you’re not on 30A anymore. You can sprawl out in the grass and have the family pet in front for that perfect holiday greeting card.

These are a few of our favorite spots around town. Pick your favorite and before that shutter sound, think of what makes you happiest and give a big smile.